Renovating a kitchen ?
THESE TRADE SECRETS CAN HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR DREAM KITCHEN
It ’ s no secret people like to renovate their kitchen -the heart of the home , where typical American families spend most of their at-home time . However , it can be overwhelming for many homeowners to start designing their dream kitchen without guidance from a professional .
Renowned designer and artistic advisor to LG Studio , Nate Berkus , has designed countless kitchens in his 20 years in the industry and knows the secret to creating a forever kitchen , one that will stand the test of time and grow with you and your family .
“ During a renovation , picking a place to start can be very overwhelming because there are so many decisions to make - from countertops to seating and light fixtures to appliances ,” says Berkus . “ You want your kitchen to represent who you are and your lifestyle . Reach for things you love , mixed in with timeless elements that will stand the test of time .”
Newell Turner , editorial director of Hearst Design Group , agrees . “ It ’ s easy to want to replicate a kitchen you see in a magazine when designing your own space ,” Turner says . “ However , it ’ s important to incorporate small design touches that make the space your own . That may mean bringing in elements from other rooms or making an unexpected design choice to create a space that is truly yours .”
Berkus offers his latest and greatest trade secrets on what makes for a well-designed space , particularly for the hardest working room in your home - the kitchen :
Create character
There is so much inspiration out there , but my rule of thumb is to reach always for what you love ; things that tell your story and reflect who you are .
Often that means reaching for what you already live with and love . Think baskets , vases , picture frames , geodes and crystals , woven bowls and brass candlesticks . These are things that will make the room feel layered and lived in . Repurposing what you already own and love is the easiest way to make your design personal without costing you a thing .
Build a beautiful foundation
There are a few things in your kitchen that are truly worth splurging on . If something has been used for the last 50 years ago , chances are it ’ s still a sure bet . Think white subway tile , marble countertops and topof-the-line appliances to create a timeless kitchen . Consider a premium appliance line like LG Studio that marries high-end technology with a beautiful aesthetic to serve as the foundation for your dream kitchen .
If you have a large family or love to entertain , make sure you have a refrigerator that can go the distance . The LG Studio 3-door counterdepth refrigerator has a ton of shelf space and a handy “ door-in-door ” feature that is perfect for kids .
Lighting is key
Great lighting automatically sets the mood of a room . Since the kitchen is the heart of the home , you want to create a well-lit environment that is functional , but that also looks good . Include lighting in all the places you ’ ll need it - over dining areas , under cabinets and in entryways .
One favorite trick I use in every kitchen I design - a dimming feature that allows you to set the scene , whatever the occasion .
Save smartly
When it comes to designing any space , it ’ s all about well-designed basics such as stainless steel appliances and marble countertops , but certain elements like vintage bar stools and lighting fixtures can add so much character to your space , and can be picked up in an afternoon at your favorite flea market . Vintage and antique stores in your neighborhood are a great place to find one-of-a-kind pieces that feel special .
Switch up your seating
Something that feels unexpected and interesting in the kitchen is to mix up the seating . Experiment with different seating configurations , like adding a bench to a traditional or farmhouse-style dining table , or mixing and matching vintage dining chairs .
You can even go a step further and create a seating area with a sofa and area rug to really set the scene and create a space that can be hardworking for your family . Kitchens are where people gather to eat and spend quality time together , so you want the design to reflect your family ’ s personality .
Summer 2016 Remodel Tampa Bay 21